Disclaimer: I don't own Detective Conan or Magic Kaito.
Envelopes could be funny things sometimes. Like the envelope in this story.
A nondescript, rectangular paper container that gets abused daily as it is passed between hands, stuffed in boxes, left in the bottom of drawers and often forgotten about.
What is so special about this envelope that makes it different from the many others like it?
Well, nothing in particular.
Like several of its counterparts this envelope was being used as a container of something of great importance.
But while others held money, spam or work notices, this envelope held something much more precious: The thoughts and emotions of a certain detective in the form of a letter.
It was a letter meant to be read and to be cherished by its receiver; a certain enigmatic teen by the name of Kuroba Kaito.
Unfortunately the envelope remained unopened and it wasn't because it couldn't be opened. The seal on the back would give away easily to prying hands if only said hands were willing.
And Kaito was not willing.
And because Kaito was not willing the envelope, and the letter it contained, was safely tucked between the pages of a novel. Not forgotten, no. But kept out of sight until the owner was ready to read the message it contained.
It had been over a year since Kaito had seen Shinichi's face on that rooftop and at least six months since his death.
During that time the magician had made sure to visit the detective once a day to talk. Since Shinichi had not had the chance to get to know Kuroba Kaito, the teen had taken it upon himself to remedy that.
Some times he would chatter aimlessly about things like what had happened during school or show off a new magic trick he had learned. Other times he would drop off a memento or, more importantly, talk about the Sherlock Holmes novels he had started to read.
Some days it was too hard and Kaito couldn't bring himself to visit. Although those days were becoming less and less.
His friends, namely Aoko, were concerned and thought him talking to a dead person was unhealthy and had tried to get him to visit a therapist about it all. Kaito had dismissed the notion instantly. While they thought it unhealthy, he thought of it as therapeutic. More therapeutic than visiting a shrink anyways.
His mother had understood him however. They had gone through this process before when her husband and his father Toichi had died. Kaito had visited his grave in the same fashion, talking to his dad. It had helped him move on within the few couple months.
But this time it was different. The relationships were different. Toichi was his father. Shinichi was a friend and rival. Toichi had known his son and loved him. Shinichi... didn't.
Besides Kaito still had a job to do and he wasn't someone who left things unfinished.
That was why he was here on a cold December afternoon, the sky overcast and gray with snow predicted during the evening, sitting cross legged in front of the gravestone, a bag at his side. He was dressed warmly in a dark blue hoodie with grey washed out jeans and a white scarf wrapped securely around his neck. His brown hair was still messy and unruly as ever.
Indigo eyes were soft as they stared at the face of his detective.
Someone had taken it upon themselves to place a picture of Shinichi among the array of items that sat in front of the gravestone. It wasn't the first picture Kaito had seen during his visits but this one had captured his attention. Unlike the others that mostly depicted the detective in the middle of solving a crime, looking embarrassed or being caught by surprise... this one was different.
It didn't look to be a professional picture. It was a bit blurred and out of focus except for Shinichi who was in the center frame. The detective was looking at him with a grin, mouth open as if in laughter. It was as if the person had fumbled with the camera and took it accidentally.
It was the expression that drew Kato's eyes. He had never seen Shinichi look so... happy.
With a warm smile he set the picture back against the stone and reached into his bag to pull out a hard cover book. It was one of his favorites.
"You know Shinichi. I don't think I will ever understand your fascination with this Sherlock Holmes." He said in mock anger, waving the book towards the laughing detective. "Luckily, I am here to remedy that."
He then held the cover up and said with a cheeky grin, "Lupin! I figured you really needed to broaden your horizons. Here, let me read you one of my favorite parts so you can get a feel for it. I am sure you'll like him."
Kaito hummed happily as he flipped the book open, browsing the pages. He stopped, however, when he felt something slide into his lap and looked down.
It was an envelope that looked a bit faded and rather flat, having been pressed in between the pages for almost six months.
Kaito's face became oddly blank as he set the book aside and picked up the item to examine it, thumbs rubbing the surface thoughtfully. Lips cracked into an amused smile as he held the envelope up for Shinichi's picture to see, face flushed.
"I suppose I got caught red handed, huh Tantei-kun?" A pause as he chewed on his bottom lip, "I really was planning on reading it... honest..."
Kaito grew silent once more, eyes lingering on the paper in his hands before squeezing shut in frustration.
A rush of wind suddenly blew through the graveyard, causing the magician to hunch his shoulders against the chill as it whirled around him. It was followed by the faintest brush of lips across his ear and Kaito froze as a soft voice whispered, "Baa'ro. Stop being a baby and just read it already. You've had six months to make up your mind. That is six months too long."
Kaito's eyes flew open in surprise at the words and his head snapped up painfully as he twisted around... but there was no one. Heart thudded painfully in his chest as the magician's eyes searched the empty graveyard around him. That had been Shinichi's voice. There was no doubt.
His hand reached up to his ear, rubbing it slowly before laughing. Clearly he was starting to go crazy. Maybe he should go see a therapist after all.
Kaito looked once more down at the envelope, a rueful smile on his face. Even if it was his imagination there was no denying the fact that it was correct, he was being a baby and six months was too long. Feeling a sudden surge of courage indigo eyes hardened as he removed the switchblade from his pocket and gingerly sliced open the top.
He unfolded the sheets of paper from inside and started to read.
Kaito,
I hope you never have to read this. I hope I am able to tell you these things in person like I had planned when I got back. Unfortunately not everything happens the way you want it to. Life is a cruel mistress like that... and I digress.
Lets start from the beginning shall we?
Hello Kuroba, I am Kudou Shinichi. But I suppose you already know that, huh KID? That is right you Phantom Thief, I know who you are. Are you surprised?
xxxx
Kaito could feel the smugness from the detective radiating from the words. An eyebrow twitched. Even when he is dead Shinichi somehow managed to irritate him. He continued reading.
xxxx
Now before you freak out let me assure you that I haven't told anyone else about your identity. It wouldn't be very fair of me to unmask you outside of a heist, would it? It takes away part of the challenge.
I did plan on introducing myself to you upon my return though. I am sorry Kaito. That is one promise I wasn't able to keep. I guess the black organization was tougher than I thought.
It is also the main reason I had denied your help all those months ago. I didn't want to put you at risk, my dove. It is not that I didn't think you couldn't handle yourself, I am sure you would. It is just easier to take care of my own problems on my own. And without you here, I can focus without constantly worrying about your safety.
Also you don't deserve to have stained hands. Red just isn't your color.
I had hoped my kiss would convey certain things to do on the roof that night and if they didn't then I am sorry. I am not the best at showing my own feelings but I really do care about you, Kaito. I would even venture to say I love you.
Funny. I've never pegged myself as gay or bi. I suppose that makes me Kaitosexual?
xxxx
Kaito smiled at that, laughing softly even as tears pricked the corners of his eyes. He quickly reached up a hand to brush them away.
xxxx
In short, I hope you forgive me for being selfish like this. Detectives can be rather protective and possessive when it comes to those they care about. Just know that I am doing this so I... we... you can have a fresh start, free from past mistakes.
I hope you take care of yourself, be careful and don't push away your friends. Life can be lonely by yourself. You need them, admit it.
Also know that I am always watching. So I know if you don't listen to me.
I think I can make quite a mean poltergeist...
Love, Kudou Shinichi.
PS: Let that poker face drop once in a while and cry, idiot. You are human. Embrace it.
xxxx
The magician folded up the papers and slid them back inside the envelope. He then pulled his knees up to his chest and buried his head into his arms as he started to do just that: cry.
Shinichi had loved him.
Shinichi had known all along. Had known everything and had planned to become part of Kaito's life just like the magician had wanted. His chest hurt painfully thinking of what could have been but at least he now knew.
That alone lifted a weight from his chest, one less regret for him to worry about. He wished he had done that months ago.
With a shaky breath Kaito sat back and wiped his eyes. He shoved the letter into his bag along with the book and leaned forward, picking up the laughing detective. A smile as he pressed a kiss against the photo.
"I am not the only idiot, Shinichi."
He started to return the photo but paused. He gave it a long look before suddenly tucking it into his bag and turned to leave.
The next day Kaito didn't visit Shinichi. Nor did he the day after that. Or the day after that. It had taken six months and a letter but the young man was finally moving on.
xxxx
Shinichi smiled fondly but also sadly from his spot atop his gravestone, chin resting in his palm. It was about time. Kaito could sure be hopeless. The detective had hated seeing the man sitting in front of his grave every day, practically bleeding at the heart as he tried to make up for past mistakes that didn't need it. Not that Shinichi didn't appreciate the visits but things were easier this way. Kaito was moving on and, in a way, Shinichi could now as well.
"You always have to make things difficult... Baa'ro."
Author's Notes: And that is the end of the two shot. Hopefully this is a bit happier than the previous one. I am not completely happy with it but... I hope you guys enjoy it. This had no real song inspiration what so ever. It is more like an epilogue type deal to the first half. Thank you for reading!